SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia japonica 'Ashton's High Rise'

COMMON NAME: Ashton's High Rise Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 10-12 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate to fast compared with other camellias. In general, camellias are slow-growing plants and can take 10-20 years to reach their full size, depending on their environment.

USDA ZONE: 6-9

EXPOSURE: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Here in Tennessee toward the northern edge of their range, camellias prefer to be sheltered by at least one wall.

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Upright shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green

FLOWERS: Pinkish red double blooms with bright yellow anthers on white filaments

FLOWER SIZE: 3.5-4 inches

BLOOM TIME: Late winter to early spring

PLANT ORIGIN: depends on species (sasanqua – Southern Japan; sinensis - Southeast Asia; japonica - China, Korea, and parts of Japan; Hybrid)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Flowers may feed pollinators in the very early spring and/or fall, but it is not a host for local wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Fertilize with a bloom booster fertilizer two seasons before they bloom (in fall for spring bloomers and in spring for fall bloomers).

PRUNING: Not necessary. If desired for shaping, you may prune right after blooming.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Camellias are generally non-toxic; however, Camellia sinensis contains caffeine and should be handled with caution around pets.

USES: Ornamental specimen